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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Vatican City, 1 July 2015 (VIS) –
Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Holy See permanent observer at the
United Nations and other international bodies in Geneva spoke
yesterday at the 29 th Session of the Human Rights Council Panel on
the effects of terrorism on the enjoyment by all persons of human
rights and fundamental freedoms.

“The Holy See Delegation would like
to denounce most especially terrorist acts carried out in the name of
religion”, said the nuncio. “As Pope Francis states, 'religious
fundamentalism, even before it eliminates human beings by
perpetrating horrendous killings, eliminates God himself, turning him
into a mere ideological pretext'. … Acts of terrorism cause the
destruction of human rights, political freedoms and the rule of law.
Terrorism is the antithesis of the shared values and commitments
which serve as the basis for peaceful coexistence domestically and
internationally. Indeed, with the proliferation of terrorism and the
impunity which its proponents enjoy, we can say that there is also a
'globalisation of terrorism'. ... A situation is thus created where
the positive political will of the major players is required in order
to address and resolve the problem of global terrorism and its
disastrous effects”.

“The Holy See is deeply convinced
that terrorism, especially those forms that derive from religious
extremism, must be confronted with concerted political efforts by all
players, especially by all the local and regional parties involved,
as well as by the major international players, whose role is
indispensable in negotiating and finding a viable solution,
diplomatic or otherwise, to protect life and the future stability of
the regions touched by terrorism. The response to terrorism cannot be
merely by way of military action. Political participation, fair and
just legal systems, and cutting all forms of public and private
support for terrorism are means not only to respond, but also to
prevent, terrorism. It is also important to remember the positive
obligation that States have to undertake in order to protect their
citizens and, where that is not possible, to collaborate with other
regional authorities in order to address the threats posed by
terrorist groups”, concluded Archbishop Tomasi.